Saint George's Day

Shubhra Shukla
Dec 22, 2023 By Shubhra Shukla
Originally Published on Mar 17, 2022
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Saint Georges Day is celebrated on April 23 every year in the UK. Read more about it here.

Where is Saint George's Day celebrated?

 St. George's Day is celebrated by the people every year in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and even a few other countries (like Greece) internationally.

Who is Saint George's Day celebrated by?

This day commemorates the death of Saint George and is observed in the United Kingdom with particularly spectacular celebrations in big cities like London.

When did Saint George's Day first start?

 The first written account of St George's Day as a celebration was in approximately 735 AD.

Who started Saint George's Day?

St George's Day was started by the famous Venerable Bede (a Benedictine monk and historian) who outlined Britain's foremost account of Medieval life titled, 'The Ecclesiastical History of the English People.'

The history of St. George's day is fascinating to learn about.

History And Timeline

St. George was born in present-day Turkey. Following his father's footsteps, he became a soldier who then quickly rose in the Roman army, finally ending up as a personal guard to King Diocletian.

St. George declined the emperor's orders for the persecution of Christians. He was tortured and executed in 303 AD and buried in Palestine, where he is still buried today.

St. George is well-known for slaying a dragon. The town of Silene had been captured by a dragon, and they were ordered to sacrifice a member of their community to be eaten by the dragon every day.

St. George had visited this town on one of his many adventures and had killed the beast to save the life of the princess.

St. George's Day is still an important day for communities, even in modern times, including places like Brazil and Uruguay. In these countries and others, celebrating St. George's Day is typically a festive occasion shared with family and close friends. A brief timeline of its related events is as follows.

Death Of St. George 

Saint George died in the Diocletianic Persecution.

303 AD

The Red Cross

Saint George's cross used as the ensign of the Republic of Genoa (is believed to have) originated around the 10th century.

10th Century

Order Of The Garter

Edward III created his very own chivalrous knightly order that he called the Order of the Garter; St George was named as their patron saint.

1344

Big Feast

The declarations of the Province of Canterbury in 1415 and the Province of York in 1421 elevated the St. George's Day feast to a 'double major,' which made working prohibited and going to church mandatory on that day.

1415-1421

Just Like Christmas

The holiday of St. George's Day became a national holiday in England, just like Christmas.

15th Century

World's Largest Walking Robot

In honor of St. George, a 51 ft (15.5 m) tall dragon (unveiled in September 2012) was created by Zollner Elektronik AG in Zandt, Germany.  

2012

Traditions And Customs

Parades are popularly organized, and this day celebrates culture. You can celebrate it with family and friends in any way you want.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Saint George's Day

According to legend, after he had saved the princess from the terrible dragon, St. George handed her a red rose. You can do the same with a friend or family member; since you can't actually save someone from a dragon, giving them a rose will have to suffice.

The main festivities of this day happen in London, so why not head there and join in the celebrations by waving George's cross?

Facts And Stats

St. George is the patron saint of a lot of places, including Georgia, England, and Portugal, and they all celebrate Saint George's Day, but the beloved saint was actually born in present-day Turkey.

Saint George is also the Patron Saint of farmers, soldiers, and scouts, and so they often feature in parades on St. George's Day.

A dragon is a common symbol of Saint George's Day; it may have been made into a symbol that represents the triumph of good over evil in Christianity, but scholars believe its imagery evolved as time went on.

Do Catholics celebrate St. George's day?

Yes, but not necessarily on April 23.

What are some spiritual aspects of St. George's Day?

St. George is remembered as an early Christian martyr from the Middle Ages. 

What is the story behind St. George?

In 303 AD, Emperor Diocletian ordered the persecution of Christians, but St. George refused to follow these orders and instead protected Christians. He is considered a saint by people of many different religions for the work that he performed during his lifetime on earth.

Who is St. George?

St. George was a soldier who was venerated as a saint in Christianity.

Who is the Patron Saint of England?

St. George is the beloved Patron Saint of England.

Where was St. George born?

He was born in Cappadocia, an area that is now part of Turkey.

What nationality was St. George?

St. George was a Roman soldier.

Why are some people excited about St. George's Day?

It is a day that celebrates the history and culture of Christianity.

What are some reasons for celebrating St. George's day?

It honors English culture and offers a chance to wave the red cross.

What are some requirements to celebrate St. George's Day?

None. Celebrations take place in England every year on this day, and anyone can participate.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, April 23, 2020
  • Friday, April 23, 2021
  • Saturday, April 23, 2022
  • Sunday, April 23, 2023
  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024

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Written by Shubhra Shukla

Bachelor of Technology specializing in Computer Science

Shubhra Shukla picture

Shubhra ShuklaBachelor of Technology specializing in Computer Science

With experience in digital marketing, social media strategy, and creative copywriting, Shubhra is a skilled writer and editor at Kidadl. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering from Gujarat Technological University/Narnarayan Shastri Institute of Technology (N.S.I.T) and believes in the power of words to influence people. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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